Noticed a some unusual spots in your photos? You probably need to clean your camera lens – these are the best ways to do it safely.
It’s often said that a clean home is a happy home, and that’s definitely the case with camera lenses, too. When you’ve spent a small fortune on the best glass you can afford (or a flagship smartphone), there’s no point in falling at the first hurdle by allowing your lens elements to become dirty. Whatever subjects you shoot, it’s always best to carry cleaning equipment in your camera bag, because you never know when you’ll need it; a lens blower, Lenspen, microfibre lens cloth and lens cleaning solution will allow you to effectively clean all types of dirt from your lenses wherever you are. Rain spots, fingerprints, smears and dust will all negatively impact image quality, so keeping your lenses dust and dirt free is an absolute must. So, here are six ways that you can protect and clean your lenses to help you to maintain the best image quality possible. And one final note: while these tips are largely tailored towards cameras and DSLRs, steps three, four and five are suitable for smartphone lenses, too. Prevention is the best cure when it comes to lens cleaning, so attaching UV filters to the front of your lenses is the perfect way to keep dust at bay as well as adding an extra layer of protection. Filters are very much an accessory where you don’t want to go for the cheapest option available, because the quality of the optical glass used varies drastically according to cost and brand. Stick with well-known filter companies such as B+W, Hoya and Tiffen to ensure the highest optical quality.
